Defence and security forces in the DRC successfully crushed a coup attempt involving both foreigners and Congolese nationals.
The Democratic Republic of Congo army spokesperson, General Sylvain Ekenge, announced this live on the “Rtnc” broadcaster. The attackers, including their leader, were “neutralised,” according to the general.
Here are the details of the DRC coup attempt.
DRC Coup Attempt: Details of the Attack
Early on 19 May 2024, a group of armed men, under the leadership of Christian Malanga, an exiled politician and leader of the Congolese Unity Party (UCP) based in Brussels, seized control of the Palace of the Nation in Kinshasa, the presidential residence. They raised the flag of the former Zaire before being overpowered by security forces.
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Who Were the Attackers?
The group, reportedly consisting of about 20 people, included Malanga’s 22-year-old son Marcel and a white man with a U.S. passport.
During the incursion, which Malanga streamed live on Facebook, the group called for changes in DRC’s governance.
In the first video, made earlier this morning at the Palais de la Nation, Christian Malanga (who is already called “President Malanga” by his son) and his men replacing the flags of the DRC 🇨🇩 with the flags from Zaire. And declaring a new Zaire republic.
In the second video.… pic.twitter.com/4n1KTNfEVX
— Typical African (@Joe__Bassey) May 19, 2024
At 6 AM local time, Malanga posted “New Zaire” on social media. Security forces killed him and arrested the other attackers. As the melee ensued, the Presidential Guard safely escorted President Felix Tshisekedi away.
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Simultaneous Attack on Deputy Prime Minister’s Residence During The DRC Coup Attempt
In a related incident, a commando wearing Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) uniforms attacked the residence of Deputy Prime Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombé neighbourhood. Kamerhe, a political veteran and current candidate for the presidency of the National Assembly under the Sacred Union of the Nation coalition, was unharmed.
The attackers used drones and engaged in a firefight with security agents for over an hour, resulting in three deaths—one attacker and two security agents. Some attackers took refuge inside the building, while others fled towards the river. Security forces cordoned off the area, and the situation remained chaotic for several hours.
Security forces quickly surrounded the Gombé neighbourhood, home to many diplomats, to control the situation. The authorities worked diligently to restore order and ensure the safety of residents and officials.
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